Lehmann Condemns English Fans for Abuse Targeting Smith
Smith has played 38 matches facing the English team and notched over 3,400 runs.
England fans should be better regarding the jeers they aim at Australian batsman Steve Smith, says ex- manager Lehmann.
Steve Smith, 36, has regularly been a frequent focus of chants and taunts from English supporters in the wake of his involvement in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.
Smith was removed as captain and barred for a 12 months while Darren Lehmann, who was cleared of any offense, quit as coach after the episode.
"The taunts you face is daily," Darren Lehmann said. "It's incredible."
"Smith is competing every day. It's likely tougher for him."
"Over in England they just don't forget. It seems they have never done anything wrong in their lives."
"It's just the people that consume excess alcohol and behave like idiots."
Background of the Ball-Altering Incident
During a Test match versus South Africa, Smith confessed Australia's "captain's group" devised a scheme to alter the ball.
Former opener Warner showed batsman Bancroft how to employ sandpaper to scuff up the ball, and Bancroft was then caught doing so by television cameras during the match. Both men were also penalized along with Steve Smith.
Consequences and Ongoing Response
Smith came back following the ball-tampering incident in the 2019's Ashes series match at Edgbaston and has been booed repeatedly from then on.
England supporters also center chants on his upsetting news conference in 2018.
"We did the wrong thing, acknowledge it and get past it," Lehmann said.
"One strives to progress the to the fullest. You get reminded every day and this is part and parcel."
"He can walk tall with how he handles the situation."
"The English fans ought to be improved than that. Many are and are very supportive of the proceedings in the sport."
